February 7, 2013 marks the 13thyear for National
Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, (NBHAAD), a national HIV testing and
treatment community mobilization initiative targeted at Blacks in the
United States and the Diaspora. There are four specific focal points: education,
testing, involvement, and treatment. In recognition of
National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, In
The Meantime Men's Group, Inc. (ITMT) LA's premier Black Gay Men's
Wellness organization will host a series of events and activities
starting, Tuesday, February 5, 2013 and concluding on Sunday, February
10, 2013.

Among the events will be a PROTEST and PRESS CONFERENCE
adjacent to Leimert Park in South Los Angeles set for Thursday,
February 7th at 11am to unveil 'X
Homophobia', a new anti-homophobia campaign. In The Meantime, which
spearheaded the new campaign, will host the press conference, protest
and street outreach in conjunction with AIDS
Healthcare Foundation (AHF). The groups will stage a peaceful
protest and press conference while launching the new advocacy and
awareness campaign that is intended to bring light to the devastating
impact of homophobia in the Black community including HIV/AIDS.
Immediately following the press conference from 11:30am to 12:30pm the
groups will offer free HIV testing as well as condom distribution to
businesses and people along Crenshaw Blvd. As part of the event, AHF's
53 foot long 'Condom
Nation' big rig will be onsite-and covered with In the Meantime's
groundbreaking new'Our
Love is Worth Protecting-Get Tested' billboard art, which
features two handsome young shirtless African American men embracing.

"It is in the best interest of our survival as Black people that we
better access the limitless resources of all of our people," said Jeffrey
King, Executive Director of In The Meantime Men's Group, Inc.
"Unless we start today to build a society that celebrates diversity we
are doomed, and thousands of human beings will continue to live in fear
that breeds contempt and hatred. As we enter 2013, it is incumbent upon
each of us to stretch over to the other side of our communities and
better understand who is in our houses, our neighborhoods, our schools,
our churches. We are all divine children of God and we have been birthed
with the capacity to Love unconditionally."

"Although African Americans represent just 14% of the U.S. population,
they account for 44% of new HIV infections. Sadly, young, Black gay and
bisexual men are among those at highest risk for infection," said Michael
Weinstein, President of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. "This is one
reason why a campaign like 'X-Homophobia' is so crucial in getting the
word out and pushing back against prejudice and fears that may interfere
with young people getting tested, using condoms or taking other
preventive measures to remain HIV-negative, or get linked into care
should they test HIV-positive. We applaud In the Meantime for this
innovative campaign and will work with them to spread the message that
homophobia, racism and HIV can't stop them in their mission."

In addition to the press conference, protest and street outreach on
Thursday, ITMT is coordinating a series of other events and activities
as part of its 'Code Red: Sound the Alarm' campaign roll out. The
group has drafted an online 'X-Homophobia' pledge to counter homophobia,
fear and discrimination. The pledge reads:

TAKE THE PLEDGE:

The X-Homophobia Pledge

I, _________________, pledge that as an activist against
discrimination and an ambassador of peace, I will:

Support my gay brothers, fathers, sons, and friends

Respect people whose sexual orientation, identity, and expression
is different from my own

Engage in affirming dialogue regarding people whose sexual identity
differs from my own

Teach my networks and my community that the gay community is our
community too

Help to eradicate Homophobia

Other events and activities that are part of In the Meantime's 'Code
Red: Sound the Alarm' include:

Tuesday, February 5, 2013, 7-9 p.m.Preaching to
the Choir This candlelight vigil will host community members,
elected officials, community activists, and partner agencies.

Secured parking. Refreshments and presentation. Free and open to the
public.

Wednesday, February 6, 2013Canvas HIV LAIn The
Meantime's Mobile Testing Unit and staff will canvas Long Beach, Watts,
Compton, Inglewood and the Crenshaw Corridor to provide HIV tests and
information to the Black community.

Thursday, February 7, 2013, 11 p.m. untilCode Red
Flash Mob I In The Meantime BoiRevolution (in conjunction with AIDS
Healthcare Foundation's 'Condom
Nation' and Club Magnum) take to the streets and mob one of L.A.'s
hottest clubs providing condoms and educational information directed to
Black gay men. Raffle for tickets to Rihanna Concert. Resource table
inside the club. HIV rapid testing available in front of the club.

Finally, the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) publishes a comprehensive
fact sheet on various populations and demographic groups affected by
HIV/AIDS. Following is a link to KFF's December 2012 report titled "Black
Americans and HIV/AIDS."

About In the Meantime Men's Group Inc.

In The Meantime Men's Group, Inc., (ITMT) is a 501(C) 3 community-based
organization purposed to enrich, empower, and extend the lives of
intergenerational black men, respectful of sexual orientation, through
social, educational, health and wellness programs and services. Over the
past 13 years In The Meantime has been on the forefront of creating an
environment that supports, empowers and educates black, gay, same
gender-loving and bisexual men in Los Angeles County.

About AHF

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) is the largest non-profit HIV/AIDS
healthcare provider in the USA. AHF currently provides medical care
and/or services to nearly 200,000 individuals in 28 countries worldwide
in the US, Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, Eastern Europe, and Asia.
Additional information is available at www.aidshealth.org.

IoT Evolution World NewsKen Briodagh, IoT Evolution World Editorial Director, gives you the download on today’s top news stories from the IoT. Visit IoTEvolutionWorld.com for all the industry news you need to get informed and grow your business.

IoT Evolution World NewsKen Briodagh, IoT Evolution World Editorial Director, gives you the download on today’s top news stories from the IoT. Visit IoTEvolutionWorld.com for all the industry news you need to get informed and grow your business.

IoT Evolution World NewsKen Briodagh, IoT Evolution World Editorial Director, gives you the download on today’s top news stories from the IoT. Visit IoTEvolutionWorld.com for all the industry news you need to get informed and grow your business.Posted Wednesday, July 1, 2015

IoT Evolution World NewsKen Briodagh, IoT Evolution World Editorial Director, gives you the download on today’s top news stories from the IoT. Visit IoTEvolutionWorld.com for all the industry news you need to get informed and grow your business.